More sad news from MotoGP this weekend, as we have recieved word that Shoya Tomizawa died today during a tragic accident in the Moto2 race at the San Marino GP. Entangling with riders Scott Redding and Alex de Angelis, Tomizawa sustained massive injuries to his chest and back, and later succumbed to those injuries at the hospital in Riccione. Tomizawa was in fourth, battling with the lead group, when he crashed during the 12th lap of the race.
Struck by de Angelis’ bike, Tomizawa was rushed to the hospital via ambulance, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. The incident was felt by the entire MotoGP paddock, where riders are still recovering from the loss of Peter Lenz, the 13 year-old USGPRU rider who died at Indianpolis last weekend during the Indianapolis GP, who was memorialized before the start of the 125 GP race.
Talking of the Japanese rider, fellow GP riders consistently spoke of the Tomizawa’s promising future and charismatic personality. Tomizawa will go down in history as winning the first Moto2 race ever, held during this year’s Qatar GP, and was known in the paddock for being a positive and good-humored person.
Toni Elías, who won the Moto2 race at the San Marino said: “All I feel is sadness right now and my victory today is irrelevant. I was talking and joking with Tomizawa only yesterday in the Clinica Mobile and to think that he is no longer with us is truly awful. Even today we were out there racing together when he was in front of me before this incredible tragedy. He has left an indelible mark on my life.”
This is another dark day in motorcycle racing, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Tomizawa’s friends and family.
Source: MotoGP
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